In most Middle East countries and cultures, everyone dances, and many quite well, though they will likely never perform in public. As an audience, they are not often impressed by technique alone. What makes dancers special and worthy of watching (or hiring) is their ability to be their authentic selves while becoming the embodiment of the music and cultural aesthetics. As an Iranian-born dancer, and someone who first experienced dance and music in the culture, I can tell you this with certainty: it’s not the moves that make your dance memorable or authentic. It’s your understanding of the music along with your authentic feelings and expression that gives meaning to your performance.

To get started and advance, you need a working knowledge of the vocabulary of Arabic music, which includes musical terms, famous artists, popular songs, names of rhythms and names of instruments. While dance technique is important as the vehicle of expression, the movement vocabulary is quite simple with plenty of room to add your unique and personal flair, as did the legendary dancers of the Golden Era.

In addition to a wonderful life-enhancing journey, dancing to traditional and modern Arabic music may bring new and exciting opportunities to share your love of dance with others, whether in personal endeavors or in a professional capacity.

How can you expand your knowledge and improve your skills with Arabic classic songs? Start by listening to original recordings. Thanks to YouTube, all the original recordings are at your fingertips.

You will always work on technique and physical skills as there will always be cool new moves to try or a skill you want to improve. You will always need to move to maintain your dancing function. If you have been dancing for a while, perhaps a few years, perhaps you are ready to learn more about how the modern genre of belly dance music began.

Give your physical skills the foundation of music education from the original culture of belly dance to take you even further in your abilities. The confidence and creativity you gain with this deep knowledge and understanding of the music will only grow over time the more that you learn about it.

Keep this in mind moving forward with the course.